Chapter 17
Janet, a top actress, believed her first post-maternity leave show should center around her. But even before filming began, someone had stolen her spotlight.
She envisioned the director giving most of the camera time to Charlie and his randomly chosen fan. "What does that make me?" she fumed. "Am I, the top actress, just a supporting role in my first show after giving birth? Everyone will make fun of me!"
Her expression grim, she called her agent, Lisa. "Lisa, what's the deal with Ben? Didn't he say this show was supposed to be about family?"
Lisa, nervous, replied, "Janet, I just spoke with Ben. He said Charlie and the fan were a last-minute decision."
"A last-minute decision? Did they ask my opinion? How am I supposed to save face?" Janet's voice rose. "Tell Ben that if I'm a supporting role overshadowed by Charlie, I'm quitting!" She hung up.
Lisa, at the company, looked troubled. She called Ben Hofmann, the director. Ben was equally nervous. Charlie's fan selection had gone viral; he knew Janet would be upset. He thought, This is Janet's comeback show; she must value it greatly. She plans to use our show as a springboard!
If Janet had insisted on being the main attraction earlier, he might have given in, considering the viewership she'd bring. A top actress's post-childbirth return was a big deal. But Charlie was also a top actor, known online as "Silver-tongued Charlie" for his sharp tongue and good looks. He'd publicly criticized many stars, including Janet, calling her ugly. Their fans frequently clashed online.
Ben knew Charlie and Janet together would draw a huge audience. He needed both. If either left, viewership could drop by more than half.
After Lisa's call, Ben used his persuasive skills, promising Janet more camera time than Charlie. The matter was settled. Lisa relayed Ben's promise to Janet, who was pleased.
"Janet, don't be upset," Lisa said. "Charlie bringing a fan might seem impressive, but the real highlight is celebrity-family interaction. With Charlie's personality, it's a wonder if he can get along with a fan at all!"
She chuckled. "If he insults or bullies the fan, imagine the audience reaction!"
Janet smiled smugly. "You're right. He's digging his own grave."
Lisa added, "Charlie's high-profile start has created a fantasy of fan-celebrity interactions. If he behaves poorly, won't you look better by comparison?"
"That's right!" Janet exclaimed. "You do have a brain! Your salary doubles this month!"
Lisa's eyes lit up. "Thank you, Janet!"
Three days later, filming began. Charlie, Rebecca, Debra, and the two babies packed early. The babies needed their mother, so nannies accompanied them. Filming requirements kept Debra and the babies away from Rebecca after they landed. Debra instructed the nannies to keep the babies away from the cameras.
The show featured five groups: sports star Jayden Campbell and his daughter; singer Phoebe Hemsworth and her grandfather; Lesley Bretherton and her sister; Janet and her mother; and Charlie and his fan.
The live stream interface had five rooms. Rooms one through four showed pre-shot posters. Only Charlie and Rebecca's room showed a poster with Charlie and a mysterious silhouette.